Not many people know this, but ever since Amy and I first began turning the Felltarn Friends dream into reality we had a wonderful vision of the cute creatures being made into handmade soft toys for all to enjoy. Finally, this dream is becoming a reality, and very soon we will have a gorgeous collection of Limited Edition, Handmade, Felltarn Friends Dolls! We can barely contain our excitement and just have to share the story with you.

First, we must welcome Karly to the Felltarn fold, as she will turn her creative hand to stitching and sewing each doll. When we saw work Karly had previously completed we were simply blown away by the attention to detail and quality in each doll – and we knew she’d be perfect as the creator for our own collection. Karly now has her hands on the sumptuous fabrics we have carefully selected for Alice Rabbit, Henry Dog, Bridget Bat, Harry Fox, Robyn Red Squirrel, Bertie Mouse, Hatty Herdwick and Willie Pig, and has been busy designing the doll templates with me.

Of course there is only one of Karly (unfortunately!) and this means we have had to carefully select a character to start off the collection. With Spring just around the corner and Easter not so far away, we decided to showcase Alice Rabbit – best friend of the Easter Bunny didn’t you know?! Eventually, Karly will set to work on the other characters, and over time the whole collection will be available. I for one simply can’t wait, there’s a whole shelf on my dresser waiting for them…

We would love to have hundreds of Felltarn Dolls ready for you all to get your hands on, however with each and every one hand made from start to finish they are limited edition and very very gorgeous. The fabric combinations we have chosen are different for each of the Felltarn Friends, yet there are some subtle repetitions to create continuity throughout the collection. All the fabric colours, styles and designs compliment each other beautifully in soft pastel tones, warm tweed, delicate florals and dusky polka dots. To see them all sitting together will be a sight to behold!

Don’t be fooled by your imagination, I know what you’re thinking! No, these aren’t going to be little 6-inch dollies, these Felltarn Friends Dolls will be approximately 20-inches from head to toe, a true friend for your family, perfect for cuddles at bedtime and as a companion on your travels. Because they are all unique and limited edition, we will attach a wooden name-tag to each doll and also number them – no one else will have a doll the same!

Keep an eye out for Alice Rabbit this Easter, with Hatty Herdwick, Bridget Bat and Harry Fox next in the pipeline.

We regularly post mini-updates on Facebook and Twitter – like and follow to get all the latest info’ on the progress of Karly’s doll making and everything else the Felltarn Friends are busy with this Spring.

Claire Jane Mansfield and Amy Katherine Onyango are the creators of Felltarn Limited. Felltarn Friends: Lake District Adventures is their first publication which has been inspired by their mutual love of the Lake District and desire to encourage youngsters to get out and about enjoying the fells, tarns, castles and multitude of attractions. If you would like any information on craft days, school visits or have any other queries or comments, please fill in the contact form and we will get back to you shortly. Thank you.